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Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

07 Covingham Primary School The young players enjoy a great season on the pitch with some fantastic results!

11 Traffic Chaos Barrie Jennings calls on Swindon Borough Council to improve main junction in Swindon

15 Heart Wiltshire Heart Wiltshire presenters Ben and Mel surprised Wiltshire Sight with a cheque for £45,100

08 Empire Cinemas Our regular check on what’s up and coming at the big screen

13 New Food Hub Swindon’s newest and largest food hub, The Crossing at The Brunel Shopping Centre opens its doors.

17 What the Romans did for us Royston Cartright provides the second installment of his look back to past of Swindon

CONTENTS 4

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

18 Adam Woodyatt “Aladdin” wyvern theatre announce soap star adam woodyatt’s return to swindon as abanazar in their sensational family pantomime

20 Shapi Khorsandi

Stand-Up Comedienne Shappi Khorsandi comes to Swindon this May.

23 What’s On Swindon

In association with Swindon Theatres, we bring you a selection of shows coming up.

24 Little Mix

They look like Little Mix, they Sound like Little Mix

25 Community News Whats happening in your local Community.

27 Angus Mcpherson We check out news and updates from our very own PCC

28 Pets Feature Our monthly focus from Thameswood Vets and SNDogs

32 Michelle Merlini Burkhardt hall holds a special time and place for Michelle Merlini

Editors Comments

34 Robert Buckland Robert updates us on some of the latest developments in the area.

Welcome to this the latest copy of “InTouch Swindon”, inside this issue we bring you up to date on what’s happening in Swindon. We team up with local services and businesses and deliver news and stories directly to your letter box. We have some great editorial features this month. Contact us today for more information on how you can have your content included in our next issue. You may have noticed the last few months we have been working closely with the team over at The Swindonian. Special thanks to Shaun Jones and the team for providing local news and stories of success. We have something special in line for our next issue as we look to further our relationship with The Swindonian!

WATCH THIS SPACE! Office 36 The Shaftesbury Centre, Percy St, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2AZ Phone: 01793 554795 E-mail: info@intouchswindon.co.uk Online: www.intouchswindon.co.uk

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

COVINGHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL Enjoy a great season!

Vs St.Catherines 4-0

Vs Holy Family 4-0

Results 2017/2018

‘Captain Charlie’s column’

League

“We played really well and won 4-0. Dylan scored 2, I scored and so did Max. We passed the ball about well and took our chances when they came. Our defenders were great and so was the goalkeeper. Dylan played brilliantly- he scored 2 goals and his all round play was impressive.

“We dominated this game and deserved the 4-0 win. Again, Dylan scored 2 of our goals as well as one from George and Liam.

Covingham Park v Colebrook W 9-0

‘Player of the match report’ Dylan “We scored 4 goals and kept a clean sheet. I thought I took my goals well. My first was slotted into the bottom right after a great ball from George and my second luckily bobbled into the corner of the net! I am proud of my performance and the team’s.”

I don’t know how Liam’s went in- he totally mis-hit it! George was awarded man of the match for a great performance. He never gave up and stood out from the rest.” ‘Player of the match report’ George “The team linked well this game and had a lot of shots on the opposition’s goal. I was able to show my skills and play to my full potential. Well done to the team.”

(George 3, Dylan 2, Adam, Charlie, Max, Liam)

Covingham Park v Grange L 0-7 Covingham Park v Eldene W 7-0 (George 3, Dylan, Liam, Max, Alex)

Ruskin v Covingham Park L 4-3 (Liam, Dylan, George)

Covingham Park v St Catherine’s W 4-0 (Dylan 2, Charlie, Max)

Covingham Park v Liden D 0-0 Holy Family v Covingham Park W 0-4 (Dylan 2, George, Liam)

Covingham Park v Goddark Park W 4-0 (Liam, George, Dylan, Charlie)

Primary Schools’ Cup R1 Sevenfields v Covingham Park W 0-6 (George 3, Liam, Dylan, Max)

R2 v Abbey Meads W 2-0 (Dylan 2)

R3 v Covingham Park W 0-1 (George)

Quarter Final: v Noremarsh W 3-1 (Dylan, Max, George)

Semi-Final: v Wanborough W 1-0 (George)

To win family tickets to a movie of your choice, please email us the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;WIN TICKETSâ&#x20AC;? to the email address below? Please send your answer to us at hello@intouchswindon.co.uk Closing date for the competition is the 10th April 2018

Congratulations to Lee Birkett for winning the February Competition. Well done, good luck for March Remember closing date for the competition is the 10th April 2018

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Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Call for improvements to busy Stratton junction

Stratton Parish Councillor and Labour St Margaret & South Marston Candidate, Barrie Jennings, has called on Swindon Borough Council to take steps to improve the busy Stratton traffic lights junction between Hobley Drive and Swindon Road. Motorists who try to come out of Swindon Road and turn right into Hobley Drive often cannot do so due to the traffic coming down Swindon Road from Greenbridge blocking the exit. Cllr Jennings has been contacted by Stratton residents living close to the junction who have called on the Council to insert a “Keep Clear” box at the traffic lights junction between Swindon Road and Hobley Drive.

Residents say this would stop the current situation where motorists trying to turn right out of Swindon Road on to Hobley Drive at peak times, cannot do so due to the traffic blocking the exit. This style of traffic management is also used at other busy junctions across Swindon.

There are long and slow moving traffic queues coming up Swindon Road from Greenbridge at

Barrie Jennings said, “The volume of traffic has grown massively over the last decade. I have serious concerns about this particular junction.

A hatched box would allow traffic to join the queue on the green light. At the moment, you can sit at a green light waiting for a gap to appear and the lights have turned red by the time a gap appears. It’s very frustrating for motorists.”

At peak times if you are unfortunate enough to be trying to come out from Swindon Road and turn right at the lights across onto Hobley Drive, you simply cannot.

peak times and when the traffic lights change they block access to Hobley Drive for traffic turning right out of the residual bit of Swindon Road into Hobley Drive.

Editorial content in association with

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

The Crossing FOOD HUB new unit at The Crossing, and also opening Desserts and More next store.

“We are delighted that so many successful local entrepreneurs are developing their ventures with us, and adding such great value to all visitors to The Brunel and the wider town centre.

Swindon’s newest and largest food hub, The Crossing at The Brunel Shopping Centre, played host to some of the town’s VIPs at its official opening by the town’s mayor, Councillor Maureen Penny. The Crossing is a 20,000 sq ft food hub on the first floor of the upper mall, which is home to a mix of independent restaurants and cafes and High Street eateries offering fresh food and drinks. These include Chopstix Noodle Bar, Subway, Triple Two Coffee, boutique bistro Eggelicious and the latest additions, Indy’s Vegan Kitchen and Soul Shack. The Crossing is now easily accessible from Canal Walk, thanks to investment by the company that runs The Brunel, FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), in an escalator that leads directly to the food hub. The vibrant well-connected hub includes a 200+ seater dining area that serves the new eateries, and a Street Food Kitchen area where small independent businesses offer quick service and a wide range of eat-in and grab-and-go international food.

Jane Stewart, Deputy Manager of The Brunel, says feedback from visitors to The Crossing has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are telling us that they love the look and feel of it, really appreciate the wide choice on offer, and enjoy either being able to linger over a meal with friends or just check their emails over a quick coffee,” says Jane. “We also love the fact that several of the independents have already built very successful businesses locally and have chosen The Crossing as the next step in their growth. For example, Triple Two Coffee have been so successful on the ground floor of The Brunel Plaza that they have opened a second coffee shop here, and Eggelicious has chosen The Crossing for its third restaurant, Eggelicious E3. McCtaff’s originally specialised as a home-made cake caterer but has expanded to combine cake catering with a traditional English tearoom. And Sweets Galore began in a unit in The Arcade before moving into a

James Raspin Head of Asset Management Offices and Retail with FIREM says the firm’s investment in The Crossing demonstrates the confidence it has in Swindon Town Centre. “The Brunel is very much at the heart of the town centre, and we knew the demand was there from shoppers and others for more restaurants and cafes offering high-quality food of all types,” said James. “Before FIREM took over the management of The Brunel there had been little investment in the centre for some time, and we’re very proud to have revolutionised The Brunel with this venture. It has opened up the area between the Plaza and the Arcade and brought a new dynamic to the centre. FIREM has a reputation for driving high-quality change, and The Brunel is now a flagship for us – proof of how investment, imagination and an eye for detail can be genuinely transformational.” Editorial content in association with

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Heart Wiltshire surprises Wiltshire Sight with generous donation Heart Wiltshire presenters Ben and Mel surprised Wiltshire Sight with a cheque for £45,100 raised by Global’s Make Some Noise. The charity was hoping for a grant of £36,300 but thanks to the generosity of listeners across Global’s radio brands, Global’s Make Some Noise donated more than that amount. Wiltshire Sight supports more than 2,500 people in Wiltshire and Swindon living with sight loss. The money raised by Heart Wiltshire and Global’s Make Some Noise will completely fund the cost of Zoom Club, an activity day to help visually impared children meet new friends, for the next two years. The funding will also be used for brand new sensory library. Global’s Make Some Noise is the official charity of Global, the Media & Entertainment group, and home to Capital, Heart, LBC, Classic FM, Smooth, Radio X, Capital XTRA and Gold.

Global’s Make Some Noise helps small charities and projects dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youngsters living with illness, disablity or lack of opportunity.

charities like Wiltshire Sight. The kindness of listeners means that Global’s Make Some Noise increase its donation, which will help Wiltshire Sight care for more people with sight loss.”

Global’s Make Some Noise gives charities such as Wiltshire Sight a platform to reach an audience of more than 25 million weekly listeners through Global’s radio brands.

Leanne Hubbard, Chief Executive at Wiltshire Sight, said: “We cannot thank Heart Wiltshire and its listeners enough for their incredible support.

Every year, grants are awarded to small projects across the country to help fund the vital services they offer. Since its launch in 2014, Global’s Make Some Noise has raised more than £11 million and helped 192 incredible charities and projects. Heart Wiltshire managing editor, Marcus Langreiter said: “Global’s Make Some Noise plays such an important role in raising awareness of small

As a benificary of Global’s Make Some Noise, we were hoping for a grant of £36,300 but when they surprised us with a cheque for £45,100 we were totally overwhelmed. The extra funds will allow us to fund a brand new sensory library. This will make a huge difference to number of people we can look after.”

Editorial content in association with

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

WHAT DID THE ROMANS EVER DO FOR US ?. DUROCORNOVIUM = DORCAN and COVINGHAM.

NOW I WONDER HOW THOSE TWO ESTATES GOT THEIR NAMES.

People have been living in Swindon for at least 10,000 years going back to the Mesolithic Period but it was the Romans who built the first Town and settled here in the true sense of the word. They built their roads and villa’s here and started Swindons first industries when they quarried the stone from off the hill that today we call Old Town for their fine houses and used the clay at West Swindon to make their pots and jugs, 24 Kilns have been found in West Swindon alone and some of the rarer products were unguent Jars ( ointment ), candle sticks, and cheese presses.

We all know the Roman Road called Ermin Street that runs from Londinium ( London ) to Corinium ( Cirencester ) but how many of us know that there were two Roman roads in Swindon, the second one came up from Mildenhall ( Cvnetio ) near Marlborough and joined Ermin Street at Lotmead Farm ( Spinae ) on the Wanborough Road, if you stand on the flyover and look down you will see how the road takes a sharp left turn under the bridge, that’s where the T. Junction was. It was at this point that in the later first century a town was established which covered at least 94 acres and stretched over a mile either side of Ermin Street.

staging post for soldiers and official travellers that were issued with licences ( diplomata ) by the Emperor himself, today we would call it a motorway service station.

We know from a road map ( Itinererium Antonini Augusti ) in the early third century that they called this place Durocornovium, and aerial photography and excavation has revealed many side streets with shops like a bakery, bath house, and market hall have been found. Here also was a mansio thats a

Alfred Williams tells us in one of his books that the Saxons pulled down the Roman villa at Stanton to use the stones to make their pig sties so I guess some things never change when it comes to buildings. In 1996 a huge Roman complex was discovered at Groundwell ( means deep springs ) and is now protected as a ancient monument.

The Roman settlers were dotted all over the Swindon Area Purton, Stanton, Chisledon, and one of the largest complexes found in Britain was at Badbury which was partially excavated when I and others were building the M4 Motorway in 1969 - 1971. This area was massive according to a story in the Advertiser in March 2010 which the paper refers to as a small city but most of it now sits under Junction 15 of the motorway.

Excavations here revealed what they think was a healing sanctuary and a water shrine with a lead plaque depicting the goddess Isis, in 2003 Time team came and did one of their two day digs for channel 4. So apart from their roads, villa’s businesses, farms, place names, and language what did the Romans ever do for Swindon ?. Picture of Groundwell Ridge excavation supplied by Bernard Phillips Swindon Archaeologist

Roy Cartwright 17

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

WYVERN THEATRE ANNOUNCE SOAP STAR ADAM WOODYATT’S RETURN TO SWINDON AS ABANAZAR IN THEIR SENSATIONAL FAMILY PANTOMIME, ALADDIN

You’ll treasure tickets to this year’s Wyvern Theatre pantomime as soap star Adam Woodyatt makes a triumphant return to the Wiltshire venue as pantomime’s ultimate baddie, the evil Abanazar from Saturday 8 December 2018. Adam is much-loved by Swindon panto audiences, having previously starred in the venue’s sold-out productions of Peter Pan as Captain Hook and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as Chambers . Aladdin will mark Adam’s twelfth festive season on the panto-stage. Adam’s television credits include The Baker Street Boys and The Witches and the Grinnygog, but he is bestknown for his role as Ian Beale in EastEnders, a part which he has played since the soap first aired more 18

than three decades ago. Adam is a recipient of the British Soap Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. Daryl Back, Executive Producer of Aladdin and the producer of the Wyvern’s recent pantomime successes said “We are absolutely honoured that Adam’s love of the Swindon pantomime will see him return to the venue for a third season. We love working with Adam, who brings such energy to the stage along with a lifetime of acting talent. We’re already working on a brilliant new production of Aladdin for Adam and our Wiltshire audiences and can’t wait to share it with everyone this Christmas”. Wyvern Theatre Director Derek Aldridge said “It is a huge pleasure, and privilege,

to welcome Adam Woodyatt back to Swindon - our audiences love him. Booing and hissing him as our pantomime baddie will unite families and schools once again this Christmas. I really look forward to another spectacular show and urge customers to book early to ensure they get their favourite seats for Aladdin this year.” Follow Aladdin, and of course his mother Widow Twankey, on a spectacular adventure full of flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, an evil sorcerer and a lamp-full of laughs. Audiences should definitely make tickets to Aladdin one of their three wishes this Christmas. Adam Woodyatt will star in Aladdin at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon from Saturday 8 December to Sun 6 January. Book tickets today for the magical family pantomime at swindontheatres.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.

SHAPI

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

KHORSANDI

Stand-Up Comedienne and I’m a Celebrity star Shappi Khorsandi comes to Swindon Arts Centre this May with her brilliant new show, “Mistress and Misfit”. We had a chat with her about what’s to come from her latest venture. The terrific news is that after an acclaimed, sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival last summer, Shappi is now about to embark on her biggest nationwide tour yet with “Mistress and Misfit.” And she just can’t wait. Chatting to me in the run-up to the tour, Shappi underlines the sheer thrill she gets from stand-up. “It’s really amazing!” exclaims the comedian, who made a big impression when she appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! before Christmas. Shappi Khorsandi’s brilliant new show, “Mistress and Misfit,” focuses on Emma, Lady Hamilton, the mistress and misfit who lit up the life of Admiral Nelson and added to the gaiety of nations during the Georgian era. The comedian has had a ball writing the show. One of the best-loved stand-ups in the country, Shappi affirms that, “This show has been the most fun to write. It’s about passion and tragedy. What better things are there to write comedy about?” Absolutely. 20

Shappi, who will be performing “Mistress and Misfit” at 50 venues around the country this spring, continues that, “It’s like skydiving. The adrenaline rush is incredible. It’s probably the only time in my day when I’m utterly focused and have no responsibility to anyone else apart from the audience. “It’s like a lovely, warm, relaxing bath, but a very high-octane bath! You can’t reproduce that feeling. If I haven’t done stand-up for a while, I just have to get back

on stage. I need it like oxygen!” On stage, the comedian communicates her love of stand-up in the most contagious way. Shappi is an immensely entertaining performer. The critics agree. Edinburgh Festivals Magazine declares that, “Mistress and Misfit is all-round entertainment that is both hilarious and enlightening”. Meanwhile, The List asserts that, “Mistress and Misfit is a history class you shouldn’t skip … She has the crowd in the palm of her hand’”. The Guardian comments that, “She has plenty to say, and says it with pointedness and potency”, while the London Evening Standard observes that Shappi, “Makes live comedy thrilling”. One of the many reasons why she is such a popular comedian is that so much of her material relates to herself, and audiences can instantly identify with that. Shappi, who is also a best-selling author, having released A Beginners Guide to Acting English in 2009, followed by her fantastic, critically lauded 2016 debut novel Nina Is Not OK, reflects that, “I relate Emma’s life to modern women and, like all stand ups, I draw people into the world as I see it so it’s still a very personal show’

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Shappi, who has notched up numerous high-profile television appearances including Live At The Apollo (BBC ONE), Channel 4’s Comedy Gala At The O2 (Channel 4, 2010 – 2016), Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC ONE), The Graham Norton Show (BBC ONE), Have I Got News For You (BBC ONE) and her own Comedy Store Special for Comedy Central, goes on to outline some of the similarities between Emma and herself.

“When you’re a stand-up, people have come to see you and share the experience with you. They can read a book about Emma, Lady Hamilton, but the way I tell her story draws people in to my stand-up, which I hope is why they bought a ticket in the first place!” In “Mistress and Misfit”, Shappi recounts the largely untold story of England’s unsung heroine, Emma, Lady Hamilton. For too long, she has been reductively tagged as Nelson’s mistress. She has been regarded as a bit of a harlot (you work in a brothel for one night and there goes your reputation). Women’s lib wasn’t uppermost in people’s minds in Georgian times. Emma moved heaven and earth to drag herself from scullery maid to Lady Hamilton. So maybe she occasionally

danced naked on tables to get a jump on her rivals, but who hasn’t done that? As a fellow naked dancer on tables, Shappi is eager to celebrate the woman England betrayed. The comedian explains the genesis of “Mistress and Misfit”. “I was fascinated by Emma. She was really clever and compassionate and very hard done by. She was also a master of re-invention and a fantastically creative person. “I initially tried to write a novel about Emma, but it was too hard, so I thought I’d do a show about it instead. That was easier and funnier. I relate Emma’s life to modern women and, like all stand ups, I draw people into the world as I see it so it’s still a very personal show.”

She says that, “We were both artist’s models. She modelled for great artists, I modelled for GCSE students in Tower Hamlets. I have never worked in a brothel, but I have had moments that I would only tell you about on stage or when very drunk. I will be sharing some of those stories in ‘Mistress and Misfit’.” The comedian, who since 2015 has held the role of President of Humanists UK, also sees many parallels between the attitudes towards women then and now. “Any woman who does anything seen as salacious is still demonised today. That’s a very modern theme. It’s not exclusive to Georgian times. “In the show, I talk about Emma being married to a man 30 years older than her. If they were from a lower class, women had no financial independence and no options.

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

That happened 200 years ago, but much more recently, my grandmother was married when she was 13 to a man in his 30s. So perhaps my gran was the Emma of her time!” Shappi, who is also currently working on a stage adaptation of her acclaimed novel Nina Is Not OK, carries on that, “The term ‘gold-digger’ is still banded about willy-nilly, when we don’t know anything about that woman. Women who are viewed as marrying above their station are still derided. There are massive parallels with today.” In addition, the show reveals that the Establishment closed ranks against Emma after Nelson’s death. Shappi discloses that, “Just before the Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson wrote an addon to his will asking that Emma and his daughter be looked after in the event of his death: ‘that is the only favour I ask of my King and country as I go to fight their battle’. They didn’t. “Emma ended her days derelict, penniless and alcoholic in Calais. There was no monument to her. We have not been told what a massive impact Emma had on Nelson’s life. Historians have wanted to make Trafalgar about Nelson and not about ‘this harlot’.” “Mistress and Misfit” is also full to the brim with wonderfully offbeat facts about Emma,

which make for hilarious routines. Shappi, who is also developing a new novel about adultery, says that, “I did a lot of research to find quirky things that would work in stand-up. “For instance, I discovered that there was something called the Harris List, which reviewed all the prostitutes in London. It was like a Trip Adviser of its time for prostitutes. At the time, one in six women in Covent Garden worked as a prostitute. So if you were visiting Covent Garden, you would take along your Harris List to see who tickled your fancy. Crazy.” For all that, Shappi emphasises that the show is not meant to be a lecture. “‘Mistress and Misfit’ is not a history lesson. It’s about now. “It’s not my intention to make anyone learn anything. It’s up to people if they want to take notes. But if they bring a notebook, that might put me off because I would think they were critics and pick on them!” Shappi’s profile was already considerable, but it is only been increased by her appearance on I’m a Celebrity. She laughs that one of the effects of the programme is that, “It has made me a better driver. “I’m not very good parallel parking. But jumping out of an aeroplane on I’m a Celebrity made me put things into perspective. Now I think, ‘What was I worried about? If someone is

beeping their horn as I try to park, they can just wait’.” She says that one of the other benefits of being on I’m a Celebrity is that, “It made you really look at life from a different angle. You are too hungry to think of anything apart from what do with your life. You have time to figure that out. It made me think I really, really want to write that play.”

Shappi adds that I’m a Celebrity will help her achieve that goal. “Financially, it has meant that I can now afford to lose money putting on my play! As a creative person, I am happy to do certain well paid jobs that fund my labours of love.” The comedian closes by underscoring one last time her love of stand-up. “It’s a compulsion. It’s a sort of madness. Stand-ups are all mad. We are bright, and if we weren’t mad, we’d be doing something else.” So what would Shappi be doing if she weren’t a stand-up? “I’d have my own cleaning company. I once was a cleaner. That’s another thing I have in common with Emma because she worked as a cleaner, too!”

“Mistress and Misfit” at the Wyvern Theatre - TUE 24th May 2018 BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 22

John Tusa - Swindon Festival of Literature - Swindon Arts Centre - THU 10 MAY Founding presenter of BBC’s Newsnight, former Managing Director of BBC World Services and the Barbican Centre, President of Wolfson College, Cambridge, co-chairman of the European Union Youth Orchestra, veteran broadcaster and author of Art Matters and Pain in the Arts, John Tusa has fought a few verbal battles in defence of the arts, culture and the integrity of universities. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Teletubbies Live - Wyvern Theatre - WED 9 - THU 10 MAY Join Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a show full of love and laughter as they explore the magical world of Teletubbyland. Look out for the Tubby Phone, Noo-noo and Sun Baby in a fun, bright and safe world which captures young children’s imaginations and encourages them to explore the world around them. Join in and enjoy beloved features from the TV series along with brand new songs. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Ian Waite & Oti Mabuse - Meet & Greet - Wyvern Theatre - FRI 11 MAY | 6.00PM Ian Waite and Oti Mabuse will deliver a night of Latin and Ballroom numbers with high intensity…The Strictly Come Dancing pros will perform a dance showcase spectacular, designed to dazzle and wow you. Oti is fondly remembered for her celebrity pairing with Danny Mac, where they received a perfect score of 40 in the Samba. Ian is a regular on our screens with the spin off programme It Takes Two on BBC 2. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Kentwood Showcase - Wyvern Theatre - SAT 12 MAY Sheila Harrod presents Kentwood Showcase 2018. Kentwood’s annual extravaganza, with wonderful choral singing, brilliant soloists and the Little Big Band under the direction of top West End musical director Paul Maguire. An evening of sheer vocal magic. The Kentwood charity this year is Hearing Dogs. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481 Brian Conley - Still The Greatest Entertainer (In His Price Range) Wyvern Theatre - TUE 15 MAY The multi-talented and irrepressible Brian Conley returns to the stage with his brand new show Still The Greatest Entertainer – In His Price Range! Featuring brand new comedy, sketches and songs alongside some of his bestknown material from stage and screen. Hurry along and book to see why Brian Conley remains one of this country’s most loved entertainers. BOOK ONLINE: swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office: 01793 524481

PAGE 16ANYTHING SWINDON

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LITTLE MIX

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Join The Little Mix Experience for a jam-packed concert of one of the X Factor’s finest exports, presented by Sweeney Entertainments.

Four hugely talented girls pay tribute to one of the UK’s finest girl bands, with breathtaking dance moves, replica costumes and some of the finest vocals in the UK. Bursting with personality, this is a high-energy show from beginning to end! The Little Mix Experience bring you all of Little Mix’s greatest hits including DNA, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Love Me Like You, Secret Love Song and many, many more. Sweeney Entertainments, co-founded by Julie and Peter Sweeney, has been providing a wide repertoire of top quality touring shows for theatre and corporate events for over fifteen years 24

both in the UK and internationally. 2017 was the company’s strongest year to date with more shows touring than ever before and 2018 brings even more new shows and UK tour dates. Julie Said “The Little Mix Experience faithfully recreates Little Mix’s greatest hits, emulating the style, sound and dance moves in a concert environment that is suitable for all ages.”

with replicate dance routines and costumes. It really is the full “Little Mix” Experience.” They look like Little Mix, they Sound like Little Mix - you’re sure to L.O.V.E. The Little Mix Experience!

The Little Mix Experience Wyvern Theatre, Swindon Tuesday 29th May 1pm Ticket Prices: £16 Box Office: 01793 524 481

Shannan Cairns, performer (as Perrie Edwards), Choreographer and Creative Director for The Little Mix Experience, said “The audience can expect a high energy show for all the family to enjoy. All the hits from Little Mix from the very beginning until now, along

Book online: swindontheatres.co.uk For more information: www.sweeneyentertainments.co.uk www.twitter.com/@sweeney_ents

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Community NEWS other ways to raise awareness of this matter.

If there are any further incidents feel free to get in touch with me and I will raise with the Council. Winter Gritting With the snowy weather we have been having recently it has become apparent that the Council’s gritting routes are not sufficient to make all roads safe when the weather conditions deteriorate.

Cllr Barrie Jennings Stratton Parish Councillor Hello, my name is Barrie Jennings and I am a Parish Councillor in Stratton. I will be updating you on issues that affect Lower Stratton and Coleview. Keypoint Incinerator Application Appealed The applicant of the Keypoint Incinerator has lodged an appeal to the government’s planning inspector against the local planning committee’s decision to reject the Keypoint Incinerator application. The SKIP (Stop Keypoint Incinerator Project) campaign group will be leading the campaign against this application. This is a non-political group in which I shall continue to support them in my capacity as a local resident.

SKIP believes that it would be most appropriate for the appeal to be handled as a public inquiry, rather than an appeal hearing based purely on written representations. I support this call and think it would also give us a better opportunity of explaining the types of technology Rolton Kilbride are proposing. Dog Poo Campaign A number of residents have contacted me about dog poo being left on footpaths and open spaces by irresponsible dog owners. Each time a resident contacts me I do pass their comments on to the Borough Council. The Council have said, if requested, they will add new areas to their patrol lists where they monitor areas of complaint and affix stickers warning against leaving dog poo. They are also soon to be trialling

If you think your street or neighbourhood could do with a grit bin, or if there is a problem with your grit bin, feel free to contact me and I will pass on to the Council. Community Litter Pick On Saturday 17th March I organised a Stratton Litter Pick along the South Marston Industrial Estate Cycle Path from Oak Garden, off of Windbrook Meadow, down to Highworth Road. Thank you to all who took part and braved the snowy and cold weather. If any residents feel their area could do with a litter pick let me know.

Contact details: If you have any local issues or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can call me on 07944740562 or email 1strattonjennings@gmail.com 25

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Community NEWS Police Cuts

Eastcott Labour Team Ward Update Labour Manifesto Launch On Tuesday 27th March, local Labour activists were joined by the Labour Party Deputy Leader, Tom Watson, in the Beehive Pub to launch the Swindon Labour Manifesto for the local elections. Labour has pledged new flagship policies that they will deliver if they become the majority party on the Council. These policies include: doubling the number of Council Houses built; delivering more university education for Swindon; reintroducing SureStart Children’s Centres; and redeveloping the Corn Exchange and the Mechanics Institute. Development on Cricklade Street A new planning application has been submitted for the development of 12 new homes on the site of 13 Cricklade Street in Old Town (the old Pope Brother’s site). 26

The developer is proposing a comprehensive redevelopment of the site including the demolition of one building to be replaced by nine 2-bed flats and one 1-bed flat, as well as the conversion and refurbishment of an existing building in to two 1-bed dwellings. The developer has proposed as part of their application to provide 1 dedicated car parking space for each new dwelling. We would be interested to know your view on this application. Do get in touch. Old Nicholls Butcher Shop We are disappointed to have to report that despite objections made by South Swindon Parish Council, Swindon Borough Council have approved a planning application to turn the former butcher’s shop on Kingshill Road in to a house of multiple occupation. We objected to this application because of the parking arrangements and because of the high number of homes of multiple occupation in the local area.

Recently it was announced that burglaries have risen locally by 69%. It is no coincidence that while crime has increased the number of local police officers have reduced by 215 in Swindon and Wiltshire since 2010. With Labour’s pledge to increase the number of police officers nationally by 10,000, we believe a strong result for Labour in the Local Elections will pressure the government to rethink their cuts to local police and their ability to tackle crime in the community. South Swindon Parish Council By-Election After less than one year of being an Eastcott Parish Councillor, Lib Dem, Cllr Dave Wood, has resigned as an Eastcott Parish Councillor. This means a by-election for the Parish Council will be taking place on May 3rd, at the same time as the Borough Council Election for Eastcott Ward. The Labour Candidate for the Parish election is Patrick Herring. Eastcott Labour Team Councillor Paul Dixon, Labour’s Eastcott Councillor Mobile: 07454 736 769 Email: p.dixon8@ntlworld.com Imtiyaz Shaikh, Eastcott Labour Candidate & South Swindon Parish Councillor Mobile: 07894543786 Email: imtiyazshaikh135@ yahoo.co.uk

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Angus Mcpherson

ANGUS BACKS STALKING AWARENESS The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, is backing the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s National Stalking Awareness Week which began today (16 April).

support and £185,000 for domestic abuse support amongst other victim services in the county.

Deputy Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Paul Mills, said: “If a person’s behaviour towards you is This year the trust is focusing on in- persistent and clearly unwanted, creasing reporting levels, encourag- causing you fear, harassment or ing victims to talk about their experi- anxiety, then it is stalking and you ences and to get support from police should not have to live with it. and other statutory and voluntary “We take all reports of stalking and organisations. Mr Macpherson is harassment extremely seriously and attending a conference on stalking recognise the catastrophic effects organised by the trust in London this can have on a victim. If you are today. being stalked or harassed, I urge you to report this to us – you will be He said: “I am looking forward to believed and protected. hearing of the experience from other parts of the country and “If you feel you are being stalked, particularly of the initiatives that are then please call us on 101. However, being taken to tackle this disturbing if someone’s behaviour is putting crime. you at immediate risk then please call 999”. “Stalking and harassment can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and, together with Wiltshire Steps to take Police, I’m committed to ensuring Keep a record with times, venue and that victims have the confidence to description of what happened and report crime to the police and are was involved; write down inforwell supported when they do”. mation as soon as possible when “Placing victims and witnesses at the events are still fresh in your mind. heart of everything we do is one of Record how the suspect looked and the priorities in my Police and Crime sounded - What they were wearing Plan, and ensuring that victims of and the make and number plate of crime receive support from their any vehicle involved Stay alert and very first call and throughout the aware of your surroundings at criminal justice process is absoall times. Think about your phone lutely paramount. Mr Macpherson settings - Use a PIN with random received £824,368 last year from numbers; turn off geo-location the Ministry of Justice to support services in camera apps and your victims of crime in Wiltshire. mobile settings; don’t use apps that Of this £125,000 has been used to tell you where friends are, check you commission Wiltshire Police’s inin etc Use a safe computer - use a house victim support service, Hori- different computer, belonging to a zon, along with £235,000 for victim friend or library, until you can

install anti-spyware software on your computer; delete all online accounts; obtain several new e-mail addresses and don’t use your name or nickname as a stalker could identify you; create new passwords and password protect your computer Social networks are not secure - Your friends can easily share information that can help an abuser track you down. Make sure you use strict privacy settings or, if possible, delete your Facebook account. Support Services Splitz – 01225 775276 or helpdesk@splitz.org Swindon Women’s Aid – 01793 610610 National Stalking Helpline – 0808 802 0300 Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service – 020 7840 8960 or info@paladinservice.co.uk Victim Support Wiltshire – 0808 281 0113 or wiltshire@victimsupport.org.uk

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Healthy Mouth – Healthy Life Dogs and Cats will often start to accumulate the first signs of dental problems by the age of 5 and even earlier if predisposed dental decay e.g. toy breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers and Jack Russells. Good daily dental care and the correct food can help to delay onset but most pets require a basic scale and polish every 2 years from about the age of 5.

Routine Scale and Polish procedures cost from £105 with an additional £30 for supportive I/V fluids (if required) for the older dogs and cats.

What your Pets Scale and Polish includes: • An initial dental checkup • Hospitalisation for the day • General anaesthetic • Scale and Polish 15% off Sanos dental sealant

At Thameswood Vets we are able to help you maintain your pets teeth in a good condition by offering value for money scale and polish procedures carried out by our trained dental hygienists. As well as carrying out the scale and polish the hygienist will help to alert you to problem areas and advice you on the best home dental care suited to your pet.

• Home dental advice • 6 month check up •10% off dental care products for 3 months

Cat £105 - Cat including Sanos £154 Dog £135 - Dog including Sanos £184

Take a fresh look at PetShed

• Many products at everyday low prices, cheaper

than other Pet Stores, and major supermarkets. • Loyalty schemes on most Pet food brands giving even more savings to our customers • Borders Pet Foods. Our own quality Dog Food range, made from top quality ingredients, to match products such as Canagan, Wainwrights, Simply, Lilys Kitchen, Eden and many others. • Better ranges than any other store in the area. • A specialist store for Small Pets and Wild Bird Care. • Independent Pet Store of the Year in the UK for 2016 • Fully Trained Staff, giving free and impartial advice

No wonder PetShed is Swindon’s favourite Pet Store

Studley Grange Leisure Park Hay Lane Wroughton SN4 9QT (with the garden centre and Butterfly world)

01793 853724/840300 petshedonline.co.uk

find us on facebook, twitter and instagram

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Registered Charity No. 1163257 SNDogs (Saving Needy Dogs)

SNDogs are very pleased to be back as a regular feature in the new InSwindon Magazine for 2018.

We would like to say a BIG Thank you to Npower who are based in West Swindon for their very kind donation raised by their staff at various fundraising events.

DOGS LOOKING FOR THEIR NEW HOMES

So far in 2018 38 dogs have found their new homes and the Good News is that Pimms who was one of our featured dogs last month is on his 2 week trial. Molly is still looking for a home. Don’t forget you can come and meet all our dogs looking for homes at the MONTHLY DOG WALK which takes place at COATE WATER, SWINDON. The next walks take place on the following dates: Saturday 28th April, Saturday 26th May, Saturday 30th June and Saturday 28th July. Each walk starts around 10.30am and ends at 12 noon. We meet near the top car park – you can’t miss us!

CARRIE is a sweet, small 9yr old female Spanish Podenco. She is fully house trained, she is a very quiet girl but can be a little skittish. She does not like loud traffic so needs to be in a home away from a main road. She is a loving cuddly dog, who enjoys playing and is happy to be around other dogs and cats. She can live with calm children over 5yrs old.

BEANIE BOO is a 1 year old Male mini Collie. He would make a very good agility dog. Beanie needs an active home and c an be barky with new experiences. We will not rehome him with small children as they scare him too much! BAM BAM is a male young Brittainy Spaniel. He is full of energy so is looking for a very active home with someone around for a lot of time, as he can chew when he is bored and where he can go for long walks. He is good with other dogs and cats. Because Bam Bam is so bouncy and could know a small child over, we are looking for a home with children aged 10+. If you can offer either CARRIE, BEANIE BOO or BAM BAM a home please contact us! SNDogs relies entirely on donations - there are many ways you can help SNDogs. Donate via Paypal – swindonsneedydogs@gmail.com or bank transfer to (Co-op) Swindons Needy Dogs Account No. 65622481 sort code 089299. We also have an Amazon Wish List – search for Saving Needy Dogs.

Dog lovers wanted: Enjoy the company of a canine guest!

Open your home to a friendly dog for his holiday. Whilst owners are away dogs get the love, exercise and companionship of your loving home.

Give a dog a holiday! Where happy dogs holiday

Hilary Coates Phone: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn/carer-enquiry A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates Ltd

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Burkhardt hall holds a special time and place for Michelle Merlini Photo of Burkahardt Hall taken by Martin Cleveland

lost their lives in WWI. The commission provoked something in me, both sentimentally and creatively. What does your work aim to say?

Michelle Merlini moved to Swindon when she was just four years old, scrapping a potential career in special effects and make-up design to become a successful illustrator. The highlight of her career so far is the stunning window memorial in Swindon’s Burkhardt Hall, home to esa’s stylish serviced apartments. Here she tells us about the experience, her plans, and the best things to do in Swindon. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Drawing and painting on and off all my life, I graduated last summer from Oxford Brookes University, Swindon College campus, with a lot of grey hair and a BA Honours degree in Illustration. Since graduating, I’ve started up a portrait painting business, finding a style that I really like by combining traditional art sketch with digital painting.

How did you get involved with Burkhardt Hall? Early last year, the Burkhardt Hall developers asked Swindon College art students to come up with designs to replace the original window which had been donated to Swindon College and currently hangs in its library. I’d visited the former Swindon Technical College (now Burkhardt Hall) over 20 years ago when I was a pupil at Commonweal School. I’d gone there with my art class. I don’t recall what we painted, but the building left a lasting impression on me. What inspired you about the piece? The developers were looking for a design to represent Swindon’s people and its heritage, and to commemorate the 45 college students who sadly

The phrase, ‘Time holds a special place for everyone’, resonate with me and I believed their significance was perfect for Burkhardt Hall and the memories held within its walls. The phrase would welcome and rise to every individual that has ever or will ever enter the doors of Burkhardt Hall, recognising that everyone is following their own journey in time, making their own unique footprint in history. My design opened out onto a bright field of poppies to commemorate all lives sacrificed during the war. The 3 poppies at the front of the window share 45 petals, shaped liked paint brushes, to remember the 45 creative students of the former college who lost their lives. The distant hill gazes onto Hackpen Whitehorse – the closest ancient Whitehorse carving to Burkhardt hall, just 7.5 miles away.

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

What do you like about Swindon?

Finally, what’s the best thing about Swindon?

Swindon has a lot to offer; beautiful parks, open spaces, a great variety of restaurants, pubs and late-night bars, especially in Old Town and in the town centre. There’s plenty of leisure facilities and activities such as cinemas, trampoline and skate parks, cycle paths all around town, numerous swimming pools, fitness gyms and classes, libraries, baby & toddler groups, museums, shopping complexes such as the Designer Outlet Village.

Swindon will always feel like home as I’ve grown up here and seen the town grow around me.. The town is large but not a metropolis. It’s an easy-going place and has a village kind of culture about it, with everyone looking out for each other.

Any favourite places to go in Swindon? Queens Park, Old Town, Canal Walk for its street art, the Old Canal, and Hackpen Hill on the road from Swindon to Avebury. What are your hobbies? I love travelling but it’s harder with a family in tow, especially when it comes to accommodation. Hotel stays just don’t give the space we need, so serviced apartments, which are more spacious and work out cheaper, provide a home from home which is perfect. With Swindon’s business hub thriving as it is, I’m not surprised esa serviced apartments has invested in more fantastic apartments at Burkhardt Hall.

You can see more of Michelle Merlini’s work by visiting her website, www.merlinicreations.com, or by following her on Facebook and Instagram, @MerliniCreations. Delivering value, comfort and convenience for guests, esa serviced apartments has been providing high quality accommodation since 2004, with a full range of tailored accommodation solutions for major blue-chip companies and multinational businesses. In addition to their own branded serviced apartments across the South of England, they also offer an extensive network of partner properties worldwide and a range of corporate housing and relocation solutions in prime business locations throughout the UK. You can visit their website, www.esa-servicedapartments.co.uk.

Photo of Burkahardt Hall were taken by Martin Cleveland 33

Intouchswindon.co.uk // APRIL 2018

Robert Buckland Churchward School Opening Robert Buckland QC MP welcomes the news that Churchward School will be opening in September 2018. On behalf of the Department for Education, the Deputy Director for Free Schools said, “I am very pleased to confirm that the Secretary of State has agreed to enter into a funding agreement with the Brunel SEN MAT in relation to Churchward School - a 75 place Special school for pupils, aged 11-19 with ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition) and/or

SCID (Severe combined immunodeficiency) in Swindon. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the great commitment and energy which you and your colleagues have shown in reaching this point. Free schools form an integral part of the Government’s education policy to improve choice and drive up standards in schools. I am therefore delighted that Churchward will bring new opportunities for children in Swindon.

I wish you all the best with the school’s opening in September 2018 and in the future.” Robert added, “This is a great opportunity for ASC children in Swindon, it follows from the brilliant efforts of the recent National Autism Awareness Week.”

For more information please check out thier website: www.churchwardschool.org.uk

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